The 3′-Terminal Nucleosides of the High Molecular Weight RNA of C-Type Viruses

Abstract

Tumor virus RNAs from several mammalian and one reptilian species were purified; their 3'-terminal nucleoside was identified by separation of the trialcohols produced by periodate oxidation followed by reduction and tritiation with NaB(3)H(4). Each virus contained uridine as the predominant terminal nucleoside. Molecular weight estimations based on the tritiation reactions were consistent with a structure consisting of four subunits.